Cartagena Day 4: Getse-Mania
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Day 4 in Getsemani was such a whirlwind of color, music, and unexpected fun that we completely forgot to publish this post. Our original plan for Day 4 was simple: escape to the islands and spend the day surrounded by turquoise water. Instead, Getsemaní cast its spell on us again, and we happily spent the day wandering deeper into its streets.
We eased into the day with a late lunch at the acclaimed La Cevichería, made famous in the U.S. by Anthony Bourdain and often praised for serving some of the freshest ceviche in Cartagena. After a string of underwhelming meals earlier in the trip, this one finally delivered: bright, clean flavors, generous portions, and fish so fresh it practically melted. There was no live music like at La Vitrola, but we did get front‑row seats to a video shoot happening outside Marzola Parrilla Argentina, whose lantern‑covered, mural‑filled façade made the perfect backdrop.
After a satisfying lunch, we stepped back into Cartagena’s past by visiting a pair of museums at the heart of the walled city. The Museo Histórico de Cartagena de Indias offered a stark look at the city’s experience under the Spanish Inquisition, sharing the stories of those accused of heresy in the New World. A short walk away, the Museo Casa del Oro traced the extractive legacy of colonial rule, when European powers stripped Colombia of much of its natural wealth.
We took a brief break at our hotel, then as dusk settled in, stepped back into Getsemani. Bar‑hopping in that neighborhood feels like slipping into a living mural, with music spilling from every doorway and color vibrating off the walls. Each bar has its own personality—rum‑soaked salsa dens, candlelit courtyards, and tiny family-run spots with tables spilling out into the sidewalks and alleys. We kicked things off at Casa Palenque, which offered a perfect view of the carnival performances at Plaza de La Trinidad. From there, we wandered from one lively street to the next, stopping along the way to sip a cocktail and take in the atmosphere. The whole neighborhood felt like one big open‑air party.
Hoping to keep the good vibes going, we broke up our bar‑hopping with dinner at Donjuán, another of Cartagena’s most-acclaimed restaurants. The dining room was undeniably beautiful—lush, elegant, and perfect for a slow tropical evening—but the food never matched the setting. Our fish‑and‑risotto dish arrived as a soft, shapeless mound resembling something off a kid’s menu. The risotto was so undercooked we could taste the starchy pearl, and the filet so overcooked it looked as if it had been rinsed with water before plating. The flavors echoed the presentation: flat, uneven, and ultimately forgettable. Perhaps we simply caught the kitchen on an off night.
Not wanting to end the night on that disappointing note, we slipped back into Getsemaní and let its energy pull us in again. By the time we made our way back to our hotel, we were exhausted but still tingling from the excitement. We’d experienced two versions of Cartagena—the walled city and Getsemaní’s vibrant maze—in a single, unforgettable day.
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It all began in Guadalajara, the creative heart of Jalisco, where our stay at the award-winning La Perla BnB sparked our devotion to Latin American boutique stays, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful storytelling. That inspiration continues to guide everything we create at Jet Set LatAM — a modern travel platform dedicated to showcasing Latin luxury, signature stays, and immersive cultural experiences. rom wine valleys in Argentina to colonial cities in Mexico, every journey we share is rooted in mindful travel and authentic cultural connection.
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